Colby Covington’s conspicuous absence from the UFC has sparked widespread speculation that the former interim welterweight champion has quietly retired from mixed martial arts. Since his defeat to Joaquin Buckley, “Chaos” has maintained complete radio silence, with no fight announcements, no call-outs, and minimal public presence. With his focus shifting to a successful poker career where he’s amassed over $360,000 in winnings, many in the MMA community are questioning if Covington’s fighting days are over for good.
The Vanishing Act: Covington’s UFC Absence
Colby Covington’s disappearance from the UFC landscape represents one of the most puzzling stories in recent MMA history. Once one of the promotion’s most vocal and active contenders, Covington hasn’t been booked for a fight since his loss to Buckley and has fallen completely off the promotional radar. Even more telling is the silence from UFC CEO Dana White, who typically addresses the status of high-profile fighters but has offered no updates on Covington’s future.
Despite maintaining his #11 ranking in the welterweight division—a testament to his past accomplishments—Covington’s inactivity and absence from UFC programming suggest the organisation may have moved on from the controversial star. This extended hiatus stands in stark contrast to his previously relentless pursuit of title opportunities and media attention.
The Poker Pivot: A New Career Emerges
While Covington has vanished from MMA, he’s emerged as a legitimate force in professional poker. His tournament winnings now exceed $360,000, representing a significant secondary career that appears to have become his primary focus. MMA journalist James Lynch has highlighted this transition, noting that Covington’s poker success provides both financial stability and a competitive outlet that may have replaced his need to fight.
This career shift mirrors patterns seen with other fighters approaching retirement. Without the physical damage and rigorous training camps required in MMA, poker offers Covington a high-stakes competitive environment that leverages his strategic mind and risk tolerance—attributes that served him well inside the octagon.
Why No Official Retirement Announcement?
The lack of an official retirement declaration has left fans and analysts guessing about Covington’s intentions. Several factors could explain this ambiguity. Maintaining his UFC ranking and remaining under contract preserves future negotiating leverage and keeps options open for a potential comeback if circumstances change. Additionally, the “never officially retired” status allows Covington to maintain relevance in combat sports discussions without the commitment of training camps.
There’s also strategic value in avoiding the finality of retirement. History has shown that UFC retirements are often temporary, and by not making a formal announcement, Covington preserves his ability to return for a “money fight” should the right opportunity emerge without the narrative of “coming out of retirement.”
What a Return Would Require
If Covington were to mount a UFC comeback, several significant hurdles would stand in his way. At 37 years old, he’d be returning to one of the sport’s most competitive divisions after a lengthy layoff. The welterweight landscape has evolved dramatically, with new contenders emerging and his previous rivals either retired or moved on.
Perhaps most importantly, Covington would need to recommit to the gruelling training regimen necessary to compete at the elite level—a stark contrast to the poker tournament lifestyle he’s currently enjoying. Given his age, mileage from numerous tough fights, and current career success outside MMA, the motivation for such a difficult return appears increasingly unlikely.
Conclusion: The Quiet Farewell
While Colby Covington may never issue a formal retirement statement, all signs point to his MMA career having reached its conclusion. The combination of his poker success, UFC silence, extended absence, and age suggests that one of the welterweight division’s most polarising figures has moved on to the next chapter of his life. For fans hoping to see “Chaos” return to the octagon, the evidence increasingly indicates they shouldn’t hold their breath.
Colby Covington Retirement Speculation: FAQ
Has Colby Covington officially retired from MMA?
No official announcement has been made, but his prolonged absence, focus on poker, and lack of communication with the UFC strongly suggest he has moved on from his fighting career.
What is Colby Covington doing now?
Covington has found significant success as a professional poker player, with reported tournament winnings exceeding $360,000, which appears to be his current primary focus.
Why hasn’t Covington announced his retirement?
Maintaining his UFC status without officially retiring preserves future options and negotiating leverage while allowing him to avoid the finality of a retirement announcement.
Is there any chance Covington returns to the UFC?
While possible, a return seems increasingly unlikely given his age, career transition, and the UFC’s movement toward younger contenders in the welterweight division.
What was Covington’s last UFC fight?
His most recent bout was a loss to Joaquin Buckley, after which he has not been booked for another fight or made significant public statements about his UFC future.
